(no subject)

[aulait]

Sal Monella

I started turning green, like fruit
unripening; throat shutting
as my stomach rose and fell.

Bathroom tiles punching my knees
and icy neck, tight ponytail.
Tears dribbling down my cheek.

All night I writhed and moaned,
a tangled eel; dreamt about algebra,
inky mazes, crossword puzzles.

Your arm around my shrinking waist --
tepid water half-spilled, menthol oil
your thumbs rubbed through my belly.